PORT of Townsville has facilitated the first delivery of parts for a pumped hydro project in North Queensland.
Developed at an abandoned gold mine, the Kidston Pumped Hydro Project is the first project of its kind in Australia in more than 40 years. It is the flagship project of ASX-listed renewable energy company Genex Power.
The intent of the project is to enable reliable power, storage of cheap and renewable energy and to pump out power to help Queensland meet renewable energy targets.
Genex Power CEO James Harding said having the parts arrive in Townsville was an important milestone for the project.
“These parts will now be transported to site where they will be stored until the underground powerhouse excavation is complete and the equipment installation commences,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Townsville and all of North Queensland to support job opportunities as the project progresses.”
Equipment and systems provider Andritz is supplying the electro-mechanical equipment for the pumped storage hydro elements of the project.
Parts being delivered through the port include stay rings, spiral case sections, draft tube liner sections, draft tube cones and draft tube gate frames for the embedment into the concrete structure of the powerhouse.
The manufacturing of turbine components and generator components is reportedly underway, and the arrival of the equipment is planned during the second quarter of 2023, according to Andritz Hydro.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the region was well-placed to support the growth of the renewable energy industry.
“It’s great to see this arriving at our publicly owned Port of Townsville which is so important in supporting projects like this,” Mr Harper said.
“With our fantastic weather and wide, open spaces, embracing these opportunities will be key to our future.”
Scott Stewart, resources minister and member for Townsville, said it was exciting to see the first delivery for Genex Power’s Kidston project arrive.
“This is an exciting project for the region because pumped hydro is an important part of our Energy and Jobs plan moving forward,” he said.
“Not only will the Kidston project be a fantastic mix of solar and pumped hydro, it also demonstrates innovative thinking by transforming an old mine site into an energy hub.”
